SUMMARY
Greater Western Sydney made a statement last week and sent shudders through the competition by dismembering the three-time reigning premiers Hawthorn. But they could really stamp their authority with a breakthrough win in Perth. The Giants have not come close to Fremantle at Domain Stadium in their short history. The Dockers are ripe for the picking, sitting winless on the bottom of the ladder. But as badly as the Dockers have been playing, they have not been uncompetitive. Skill execution has been their biggest issue and the Giants cannot afford to drop the ferocious intensity they delivered against the Hawks. The Giants' midfield boasts far more depth than the Dockers at the moment and the home side must take their opportunities in front of goal if they are to have any chance.
The Giants will be looking for their first-ever win against the Dockers. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Saturday, May 7, 6.10pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FOUR TIMES
R18, 2015, Fremantle Dockers 12.12 (84) d GWS Giants 9.9 (63) at Domain Stadium
R17, 2014, Fremantle Dockers 21.10 (136) d GWS Giants 9.6 (60) at Domain Stadium
R20, 2013, Fremantle Dockers 24.13 (157) d GWS Giants 6.8 (44) at Domain Stadium
R17, 2012, Fremantle Dockers 18.24 (132) d GWS Giants 5.7 (37) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Aaron Sandilands dominated against the Giants the last time the sides played. He collected 21 disposals, 43 hit-outs and three Brownlow votes. Michael Walters kicked four goals. For the Giants, Heath Shaw had 31 disposals and 13 marks.
2. It will be a contest between one of the highest-scoring sides this season and one of the lowest. The Giants are ranked third for scoring with 111 points per game while the Dockers are 16th with only 71 points per game.
3. Fremantle won its first three games against the Giants by an average margin of 95 points. The Giants are yet to kick more than nine goals against the Dockers.
4. The Giants' overall record in Perth is diabolical. They have played six games at Domain Stadium for six losses, five by more than 70 points, including two by three figures. Their average score in Perth is just 52 points.
5. The Giants are a strong kicking side, ranked second in the AFL for kicks per game with 217.2. They are also ranked fourth for uncontested possessions. Fremantle is ranked 17th for disposals per game.
6. Since the start of 2013, Giants forward Jeremy Cameron (162 goals) has kicked 42 goals more than Dockers star Matthew Pavlich (120 goals). But Pavlich (ranked 159th) is 65 spots higher than Cameron (224th) in the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Matthew Pavlich.
He's had his chances to have a big impact in the last three weeks but he's kicked 3.10 across the three games. The Dockers need to take their opportunities and it starts with the former skipper.
PREDICTION: GWS by 20 points
